SMHI Weather Routing reduces carbon dioxide emissions

Wind, waves and currents are crucial factors in choosing a route at sea. SMHI's services for shipping have the potential to reduce fuel consumption and thereby emissions by just over 430,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide a year - which equates to the annual emissions from more than 170,000 cars.

Increasingly advanced routing systems are being introduced in shipping, one result being that the skipper on board makes the crucial decisions about the route. Avoiding rough weather and having the best possible advance route planning can minimise cargo damage and mean more precise arrival times. Choosing the optimum route also lays the foundation for reducing fuel consumption.

"Looking at our total customer volume in shipping, carbon dioxide emissions could decrease by more than 430,000 tonnes a year thanks to our services."

Emissions of 430,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equates to the annual emissions from more than 170,000 cars.

Geir Fagerheim, head of fleet management at WWL, stresses that many other factors apart from the weather influence the saving, including engine problems and queuing at ports.

"Even minor improvements can make a big difference. The potential for fuel savings is greatest on long voyages and in fair weather conditions."

SMHI Weather Routing is a system that is installed on board the vessel and provides decision support when determining the best course. It takes into account factors such as wind, waves and currents, as well as the vessel´s characteristics, speed resources and type of cargo.

All forecast data is delivered by e-mail via satellite. The information includes graphical presentations of possible routes, as well as speed and fuel consumption calculations. Other SMHI services for shipping include Fleet Web, which enables shipping lines to monitor vessel positions.

Published
Nov 25, 2009

Last updated
Apr 23, 2014

Email Customer Service about this content

Send Email

You will be sending an email to Customer Service.Your nameYour email addressMessage*